Sol3 Mio star to perform his first lead role in "Carmen"

Media Release 8th September 2016

FESTIVAL OPERA ATTRACTS STELLAR CAST OF INTERNATIONAL AND NEW ZEALAND OPERA STARS FOR ITS 2017 PERFORMANCE OF CARMEN

Hawke’s Bay’s Festival Opera announced today that Carmen, the worlds most popular and frequently performed operas, will be the company’s feature performance in 2017.

The popularity of the passionate and scandalous tale has enabled Festival Opera to secure a steller line up of international and local opera stars. Sol3 Mio star Moses Mackay will perform his first lead role in an opera playing Escamillo, the handsome bullfighter competing for Carmen’s affections.

Performing with Mackay will be Kiwi opera sensation soprano, Anna Leese. Anna has won numerous awards and performed in opera’s around the globe. She will reprise the role of the Micaela, having first performed the part at the Royal Opera House in London.

Award winning Russian mezzo, Nadezhda Karyazina will play the fiery gypsy Carmen. while Australian tenor Matthew Reardon matches her passion with a powerful interpretation of Don Jose, the naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of Carmen.

Samoan bass-baritone, Joel Amosa, will perform the role of army lieutenant Zuniga while up and coming mezzo soprano Pasquale Orchard will play Mercedes

The Opera will be directed and conducted by the talented José Aparicio. José emigrated to New Zealand in 2009 after an illustrious musical career in Europe.

Festival Opera Creative Director, Anna Pierard said; “Carmen is steeped in scandal and controversy, which is no doubt why it has captivated audiences for years. We’re excited to bring the magic of Bizet’s celebrated opera to life in Hakwe’s Bay with such a word class cast. It will not only appeal to seasoned opera aficionados but we know our charismatic line-up will attract new and first time performance goers.”

Festival Opera’s Carmen coincides with Napier’s Art Deco weekend and has three performances on the 14th,, 16th and 18th February 2017.

Tickets go on sale 29 September from www.ticketek.co.nz with prices ranging from $50 - $85.

For further details visit: www.festivalopera.co.nz

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